Managing common issues with diabetes devices

What is a diabetes device?

The following devices are commonly used to manage diabetes:

• Insulin pumps deliver insulin throughout the day. They replace the need for injections. Many pumps work with a glucose monitor to adjust insulin automatically.
• Blood glucose meters check your blood sugar using a small finger‑prick blood sample.
• Continuous glucose monitors are usually worn on the arm or stomach and track glucose levels all day. They can send alerts to your mobile phone app if levels are too high or too low.
• Mobile apps show glucose readings, track your carbohydrate intake, and store data for your doctor. Some apps let you share real-time data with family or carers.

Common issues with diabetes devices

The information below helps you to manage common issues with diabetes devices. Using your device correctly and planning ahead can help reduce the risk of serious health problems, including high or low blood sugar and diabetic ketoacidosis, which happens when the body does not have enough insulin. 

Mobile app compatibility and alert settings 

If your diabetes device uses a mobile app, make sure the app works with your phone or smartwatch and is set up correctly. The app controls important alerts and when and how you get them, such as by audio, vibration or text. If the settings are not correct or if they change, you could miss important alerts.

We recommend:

• Follow the instructions provided by your diabetes device manufacturer when installing, setting up, or updating your app. 
• Check that the app works with your phone or smartwatch and its software version, especially when updating software.
• Check regularly that you can receive and hear alerts, and make sure alerts still come through when using headphones, speakers, or smartwatches.
• If you are not receiving alerts as expected, or you cannot hear them, call the technical support number listed in the device instructions. 

Adhesion issues or skin reactions 

Some diabetes devices, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, stick to the skin using adhesive. This is a type of glue that helps keep the device in place. Some people may find the adhesive causes skin reactions like redness, itching, or blisters. Others may have problems with the device not sticking properly.

We recommend:

• Check the user guide for advice on adhesion issues. Speak to your doctor or diabetes care team if the problem continues. 
• If you get a skin reaction, speak to a healthcare professional about what to do next and if you can keep using the device.

Inaccurate insulin delivery 

Sometimes, insulin pumps may deliver too much or too little insulin or may stop delivering scheduled insulin altogether. There are several common reasons for this:

• Insulin pumps can fail due to a fault with the device, like any electronic equipment.
• The pump site can disconnect if tubing gets caught or if adhesive loosens due to sweat, humidity, or oily skin.
• Bent or kinked tubing can slow or stop insulin flow, for example during sleep, under tight clothing, or in a tight pocket.
• Changes in air pressure, such as during flight take-off or landing, can cause the pump to deliver more or less insulin than expected. This can also happen on amusement park rides.

We recommend:

• Pay attention to alerts from your pump and check your glucose levels if you suspect a problem. 
• Always keep an emergency kit with rapid-acting glucose and backup insulin therapy.
• Agree a plan with your doctor for what to do in cases of severe low or high blood glucose levels. 

Interactions between medicines and continuous glucose monitors